Bicycle Racks for Your Vehicle

Mar 24th 2011 at 12:50PM by Bill Volk

Now that Spring has arrived -- at least in most areas of the country -- it's time to get working on outdoor exercise. Bicycling is one of the better cardiovascular workouts, so dig your bike out of the garage and get to pedaling. And, if you like to get out into the countryside, and little vehicular traffic, put your bikes on a rack for your car or van. Need a bicycle rack?

Take a look at this Rhino-Rack RBC 025 Bike Carrier; for vehicles with a rear mounted spare tire, it attaches to the tire with thick rubber cords. The soft rubber cradles will secure a pair of bicycles in the lightweight metal rack that is powder-coated for weather-resistance. If you're not hauling bikes, the rack folds out of the way. The rack is easy to install and remove and needs no extra bungees or straps to hold your bikes securely in place.

Another nice Rhino-Rack bike carrier -- the RBC 003 Hitch-mounted Bicycle Rack. Fits a 2" bumper hitch and will carry up to 4 bikes; the vinyl cushioned support cradles will accommodate bike frames to 2" in size and, when not in use, the rack folds conveniently out of the way. The rack is adjustable to allow for maximum ground clearance, so you don't damage your bikes on rough, uneven mountain roads.

Got a car and need a bike rack? This Hollywood Racks F1B 3-Bike Rack attaches to the trunk. Arrives fully assembled for use, and the hard, padded supports won't damage the paint on your car. No tie-down strap needed as the unit features an integral security strap for the trio of bikes you can haul.

Bike racks -- for when you don't want to haul your bicycle in the trunk of your car or van.

Before you head out, here are some bike seat safety tips: